The sister of a Fife dad who died three years ago after being stabbed has warned pupils of the devastation knives can cause.
Lisa McLean visited Kirkcaldy High School to give a talk to senior modern studies pupils about the devastating impact knife crime can have on lives.
Mr McLean, a former pupil of Burntisland Primary and Balwearie High School, left behind a baby son when he died on May 28 2011.
Sean Kitchener admitted “poking” Barry with a kitchen knife but made a plea of self-defence at the High Court in 2012 and was cleared of murder.
The family want the case reinvestigated and tougher penalties introduced, which they believe will reduce knife crime by “setting an example to those who carry out such horrific acts”.
In her presentation, Lisa urged pupils to “cherish life and ditch the knives”.
She said she felt passionate about expressing her feelings and thoughts from her own experience of losing her big brother to knife crime.
She added that she did not want another family to experience similar devastation.
Audrey Diamond, depute rector at the school, said: “The visit gave pupils the chance to find out more about issues surrounding knife carrying, knife crime and the impact of knife crime on individuals and families.
“Talking from personal experience, Lisa helped to develop pupils’ understanding of this key issue.
“Pupils were also able to extend their research skills through a question and answer session with both Lisa and Police Scotland.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Today’s event allowed us to speak to pupils about the impact of violent crime and to ensure understanding of what we are doing to tackle this.”